Brown Larry Woodlee

Brown Larry Woodlee was born on June 4, 1923 and entered his eternal reward on October 31, 2022 at the age of 99 years old.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Emma Irene Woodlee; his parents Elijah and Lucy Woodlee; sister Mamie (Waymon) McGee; brother Marcus Jean (Budge) Woodlee; and son-in-law Gordon Mayfield.

He was a devoted member of the Armstrong Church of Christ and previously serving as an elder of White Chapel Church of Christ. He studied his Bible daily and could be found leading songs at gospel singings throughout Northcutt’s Cove.

As a part of the “Greatest Generation,” he lived up to the moniker, enlisting in the United States Army during World War II at the age of 17 and serving in Europe where he earned the Bronze Star. While he shared many stories of his time in the service, his deep humility kept him from sharing the story of his medal-earning bravery with even his family.

On one fateful furlough home, he attended a school fundraiser where he won the lunch basket of Miss Irene Woodlee and she in turn won his heart. Upon his return home from war, he eloped to Georgia with his bride. They celebrated their marriage with a meal of fried chicken and not an anniversary went by that the two could not be found sharing the traditional meal.

The two settled in Irving College, Tennessee where they raised their family. Brown worked for the TVA as well as being a farmer all his life. He loved the farm and working outdoors. He was respected in his community and adored by his family. He was humble and kind with a sense of humor that could charm anyone.

He is survived by his children, Dennis Woodlee, Nancy Mayfield, Sandra (Stan) Hillis, and Vicky Woodlee; nine grandchildren, Dachelle (Jeff) McVey, Eric (Dessa) Burch, B.J. (Renee) Burch, Amanda (Tim) Gann, Lindsi (Nathaniel) Green, Tabitha (Jason) Rucker, Megan Hillis, Aimee Hillis, and Kim (Justin) Cannon; seventeen great-grandchildren; and brother-in-law Walter Woodlee.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Meals on Wheels.

Graveside service and interment will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, November 3, 2022 at Armstrong Cemetery in Warren County, TN with Steve Hillis and Mike Anderson officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at High Funeral Home. No service or visitation will be held at High Funeral Home on Thursday. Family and friends will meet at the cemetery.

Full military honors will be administered by American Legion Post 173 and VFW Post 5064.

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.